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The UK is the second most popular destination for Japanese investment after the US.

Since the vote for Brexit, Japanese businesses have continued to show confidence in the UK

Theresa May

And around 1,000 Japanese companies including Honda, Hitachi and Mitsubishi employ 140,000 people in the UK.

She said: “Since the vote for Brexit, Japanese businesses have continued to show confidence in the UK, with Japan’s Softbank making a record £24 billion purchase of ARM Holdings and committing to double the number of jobs, Nissan announcing that they will build the new Qashqai model at their plant in Sunderland, and Toyota committing to a £240 million investment at its plant in Derby.

“It is clear that our strong economy, high level of skills, and low levels of taxation continue to make Britain an attractive destination for investment.

GETTY

Mr Abe the first world leader Mrs May has hosted at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country retreat

“In our talks, I have reaffirmed the UK's desire for an enduring deep and special partnership with the EU, including a bold and ambitious free trade agreement which gives British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets – and allows European businesses to do the same in Britain.”

The two also discussed ongoing world security problems particularly in Syria and North Korea.

Mrs May said: “In our discussions today we agreed that we should continue to stand firm in the face of destabilising Russian activity, whether in Ukraine or Syria.

“We have also highlighted our opposition to any actions on the South and East China Seas likely to increase tension. Stability in this region is of global concern and we encourage all parties to resolve their disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.”

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The UK is the second most popular destination for Japanese investment after the US

Brexit day: images from around the country as Britain invokes Article 50

Mon, April 3, 2017

The country reacts as Theresa May officially invokes Article 50, and begins the process of Britain leaving the European Union